Major M27 lorry park and electric vehicle hub approved near Fareham

A major lorry stop, electric vehicle charging hub and storage facility serving Portsmouth International Port has been approved near Junction 11 of the M27, despite concerns about traffic and the impact on the surrounding countryside.

A major lorry stop, electric vehicle charging hub and storage facility serving Portsmouth International Port has been approved near Junction 11 of the M27, despite concerns about traffic and the impact on the surrounding countryside.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Fareham Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the Electric J11 development on Wednesday.

The scheme is planned for land north of Junction 11, close to Fareham and the southern slopes of Portsdown Hill.

It is expected to include parking for 165 lorries, 66 electric vehicle charging spaces and storage and operational land connected with Portsmouth International Port.

The site is currently open countryside but has also been used as a highways depot and for aggregate recycling.

Planning officers acknowledged that the development conflicts with policies intended to protect the countryside and would cause harm to the surrounding landscape.

However, they advised councillors that the public benefits of the project outweighed that harm.

Officers said there was a significant need for more overnight HGV parking and improved welfare facilities for drivers, as well as additional operational space to support the continued growth of Portsmouth International Port.

They also highlighted the proposed public electric vehicle charging hub and described the combined infrastructure as meeting an “overriding public need”.

Traffic concerns raised

The application attracted both support and opposition after being submitted in March 2025.

One objector raised concerns about additional lorries using Boarhunt Road to reach the motorway junction.

The resident said the route was already difficult during busy periods and feared the development would worsen congestion in the area.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce supported the project, arguing that the trailer parking and port-related facilities would benefit the wider region and help support economic growth in Portsmouth.

Councillors were told that road improvements and work around the junction would be funded by the developer.

Detailed plans covering the final layout, appearance and landscaping of the development will still need to be submitted and approved before construction can begin.

Rival motorway services proposal remains undecided

The decision comes while a separate plan for a Welcome Break motorway service area near the same junction remains under consideration.

That proposal is for more than 30 acres of land north-east of Junction 11 and includes an amenity building, petrol station, drive-through coffee shop, vehicle parking and electric charging points.

Its plans also include hundreds of parking spaces, including provision for cars, coaches, caravans and HGVs, along with a children’s play area and dog-walking facilities.

Planning officers warned councillors to consider the possible cumulative effect of both projects on Junction 11.

However, the committee was advised that the Electric J11 application could be decided on its own merits and did not have to wait for the Welcome Break scheme to be determined.

The M27 is a key freight and commuter route linking Portsmouth, Fareham and Southampton, as well as providing access to the region’s ports.

The plans from Electric J11. Photo: Electric J11/FBC planning portal

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